masculinity

/ˌmæskjəˈlɪnəti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmæskjəˈlɪnəti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē/ (ame, mw)

masculinity — noun

1. the collection of qualities, behaviours, and social roles that a culture expects

1.名詞B2
釋義

the collection of qualities, behaviours, and social roles that a culture expects or considers normal for a man to have or show

例句

Wei felt pressure to prove his masculinity by never showing weakness in public.

collocation: prove one's masculinity

The coach taught the boys that true masculinity meant taking responsibility for their actions.

collocation: true masculinity

同義詞
  • manhood

    focuses on the state of being an adult man rather than on specific traits; more personal and less about social expectations

  • manliness

    emphasises admirable male qualities like courage and strength; more approving than the neutral 'masculinity'

  • virility

    narrower — specifically about sexual energy, physical vigour, and reproductive capacity in men

反義詞
  • femininity

    the set of qualities and behaviours a culture considers typical of women

用法筆記

Often appears in discussions about gender roles and social expectations. Can be used neutrally, approvingly, or critically depending on the speaker's perspective on traditional male norms.

常見錯誤

❌Masculinity means the same as being male.
✅Masculinity refers to the social and cultural expectations around being male, not the biological fact.
💡'male' describes a sex; 'masculinity' describes a set of traits that a culture links to men.
❌She has a lot of masculinity.
✅She has a lot of masculine traits.
💡'masculinity' is an abstract concept; it sounds odd to say a person 'has' it directly. Use 'masculine traits' or 'masculine energy' instead.